Located between Wat Phnom and the Central Market, a short walk from the Sosoro Museum, Lumiere Cinema Coffee is my latest favorite restaurant and will be easy to fit into your Phnom Penh itinerary.

First of all, the place is really pretty, a perfect blend of modernity with touches of Khmer art. There is a well-air-conditioned indoor room and a covered, well-ventilated outdoor terrace—take your choice. During my first visit, it was pouring rain, but I still chose to sit outside. You could barely hear the rain, and the place wasn't damp at all. The terrace has three large tables on platforms, with cushions and backrests for comfortable seating. It's spacious, not crowded, super comfortable, and the decor is really nice.

It's a very pleasant place where you could easily spend an entire afternoon eating, drinking, and chatting with friends. There are electrical outlets at every table, and the Wi-Fi connection is pretty good, ideal if you want to get some work done.

If you are not comfortable eating while seated on the floor, opt for the indoor dining room with traditional tables and chairs. There is also a private room with a large table if you wish to dine separately as a group.

The restaurant immediately won me over with its menu. The dishes are mostly Khmer—the Nom Banh Chok is just perfect and the dish is served with great attention to detail—but there are also a few fusion options, such as Khmer Oyakodon and Khmer Bibimbap, which are easy to suggest to children.

What caught my attention the most was Nom Om Baeng Chek: small rice flour crepes, thick like pancakes, filled with banana slices and coconut flesh. It's a comforting dessert that's not too sweet. The waitress explained to me that it's a very old snack that you can't find at street food stalls anymore, so this is the place to come and try it. Be aware that Nom Om Baeng Chek is only served from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The drinks and coffee menu is also very tempting. You'll find classic espresso, but also specialties such as Egg Coffee, fresh fruit juices, and a wide selection of matcha and teas.

And that's not all! Lumière is also a cinema. A small 15-seat room where screenings take place mainly on Fridays and Saturdays, with films always related to Cambodia. An intimate venue, perfect for relaxing and discovering cinematic gems far from the usual blockbusters.